I think it's just so wonderful Queen E. quoted Groucho Marx, of all people, during her speech! She must be a fan!
marx, for you who may not know, was one of the most popular comedians of the 20th century. But, I have to say, I find his kind of slapstick a bit, well, crude sometimes! But he had a genius for coming up with the most hilarious, and true, one liners. Kindof like a Robin Williams of his day!

two other thoughts I had on seeing these wonderful photos:

--Can't BELIEVE Elizabeth's becoming 80!!! Just look at her smile: she really looks so much younger than her age!
--on the other hand, her kids seem to pick up speed in the aging process! Granted, I haven't laid eyes on i.e. prince Andrew in a bit, but he's really becoming old and grey looking (not that there's anything per se wrong with that, but I'm just observing he's cutting less of the 'dashing prince' picture I'd gotten used to with him). Prince Charles is also greying rapidly, but unlike his younger brother, he looks much more content, happy in fact. Marriage to Camilla's really becoming him.

I would say he has a bad head. Shouldn't have drunk the 7th round of vodka, as HRHAmy wrote in Caption this thread. Mind you, they did drink a lot of servings, right that night. They must be really tired.

__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!

I'm so happy for Her Majesty. And I really like her outfit and hat. :)
Thank you all for the links and the pictures!

Unfortunately, I've been very absent over the last months, because I don't have the time to follow royal events. :(

__________________I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.HRH Princess Elizabeth, Cape Town, 21st April 1947

This is a good story and has a video link. Willam is absent in the festivites today because he is at Sandhurst. Harry was there in Uniform.

The Queen has received a "Feu de Joie" as part of her 80th birthday celebrations at Buckingham Palace.

"The cascade of blank gunshots was common in the 18th and 19th centuries to mark a military victory or birthday.
It was the first time it had been fired during the Queen's reign and was interspersed with the National Anthem. This was followed by three cheers from guardsmen. The Queen earlier watched the Trooping the Colour parade and a spectacular 49-plane RAF flypast. "

London - Harry Potter and Captain Hook will be hot on the trail of the queen's stolen handbag on Sunday at one of the most surreal garden parties ever staged at Buckingham Palace.

To celebrate her 80th birthday, Britain's Queen Elizabeth has invited 2 000 children to her London residence for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party with children's characters Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear joining forces with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Children enjoy themselvs at the Children's Garden Party as part of the Queen?s 80th Birthday celebrations at the Buckingham Palace on June 25, 2006 in London.
pic 4: The Countess of Wessex
pics 5 and 7: The Duke of Gloucester
pic 6: The Duchess of Gloucester.

source - getty

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__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!

__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!

and a few funny pics from the Garden Party. Winnie looks great. So does JKR

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__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!

Ah to be a kid again.... or more specifically, a kid at the Queen's garden party this afternoon. :p It looks like so much fun!

It's too bad the Countess of Wessex didn't bring Lady Louise with her. I completely respect them for having her keep a low profile, but this would be such a cool event for a child her age.... maybe she'd meet a favourite character of hers.

__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!